Choking

What to Do for:

Mild Airway Obstruction

If the victim can make sounds or cough loudly, the blockage is mild. Stand by and
let the victim cough. If there's still concern, call TCCD Police Dispatch at 817-515-8911.

Severe Airway Obstruction

An adult has a severe obstruction if they cannot:

Breathe

Talk

Make a sound

A child has a severe obstruction if they:

Cannot cry

Have high-pitched, noisy breathing

Have a quiet cough

Make no sound

Have bluish lips or skin

Act immediately before the victim becomes unresponsive.

Ask if he/she is choking. If they indicate yes, take action.

Get behind the victim.

Reach around the victim and place a fist on the victim's abdomen, just above the belly
button.

Place your open hand over your fist and thrust toward the victim's spine.

Continue giving thrusts until you dislodge the object, or the victim becomes unresponsive,
at which time you should begin CPR.

Choking Infant

Babies are good at clearing their own airways through coughing. Pick up the infant,
keep him/her upright but do nothing else. Do not bang on the infant's back, as this
could push the object further down into the lungs.

If the infant stops coughing, starts making a wheezing sound, or starts to turn blue,
white or gray:

Yell for someone to call TCCD Police Dispatch at 817-515-8911, even if no one is with
you. You never know who may hear you.

Put your hand over the infant's face and extend your fingers ear to ear. Your hand
should go chin to jaw, but do not cover the mouth.

Flip the baby over your forearm, bringing the baby down a 30-to-45 degree angle so
gravity can help you. Support the baby on your thigh.

Using the heel of your free hand and letting your fingers crown the head, slap the
baby's back firmly 5 times.

Sandwich the infant between both your arms and hands, and flip him/her over so he/she
is face up on the opposite arm. Your arm should support the infant's head and neck,
and you should use gravity to keep the baby as a 30-to-45 degree angle.

Place three fingers just below the nipple line. Deliver 5 quick chest thrusts.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 until the object is dislodged or the infant loses consciousness.